People can sabotage themselves from not doing things, or procrastinating, especially in recovery. In order to maintain sobriety, we have to be active in our recovery. If we become lazy and complacent, our sobriety can become compromised, and the danger of relapsing is just around the corner.

There are many reasons we justify our procrastination. Some people believe they work better under pressure, so they will leave their work to the last minute. They can tell themselves they will be able to complete the task in a few minutes, so they can put it off for later.

Some people want to rebel against an authority figure who asks them to complete a task by a certain time. Others will find more fun things to do with their time rather than complete something important. There are a million reasons people can tell themselves it’s ok to wait.

When we are in a program of recovery, action is the most important thing we can do. Whether it’s taking action by going to meetings, picking up the phone to talk to your sponsor, sponsee, or friend, committing to a position in a meeting (like secretary, chip person, treasurer, coffee person, etc.), sharing in an AA meeting, working the 12 Steps, journaling, exercising, or meditating. These are all important actions in recovery.

Taking contrary action is also important. This is an action I need to work on for my own recovery. Recently my feelings were hurt by a group of friends. I felt alone and taken advantage of. At first, I started to isolate, a bad behavior I have always fallen back on.

I shared at an AA meeting about being aware of my behavior, and others shared about taking contrary action. I didn’t feel like going out and taking my kids to the pool, but I did anyway. I didn’t feel like calling someone who hurt my feelings, but I did anyway. I didn’t feel like sharing my insecurities with a trusted friends, but I did anyway. Because I did all of this, I began to heal.

I didn’t feel so angry and hurt anymore, sharing my feelings took the power out of it. I climbed out of my isolation and have felt much better about myself.

A while ago, I would have turned to alcohol to make me feel better, even though drinking would have caused me much more pain. I’m learning that procrastination can take me out of my sobriety. If I don’t take action, I’m moving backwards. I start engaging in my old, familiar, self-destructive ways.

Before I got sober it would have taken months for me to come out of my isolation. Taking action is so much better. I feel happiness and joy in my life instead of pain and resentment. If you are struggling with substance abuse, checking into our Florida based recovery facility is the most important action you can take. Our qualified staff will help you achieve a long-term clean and sober life.

Sometimes in AA meetings, we hear, “don’t quit before the miracle happens.” Entering a life of sobriety isn’t always going to be a walk in the park. It takes hard work, change, and discipline. It also takes a lot of courage, growing up, and learning how to make good choices. These skills take time to learn, but it’s well worth the effort.

Learning how to live a happy life free from addiction is a miracle, but it takes a little time to see the world through a new pair of eyes. We learn a lot of new information when we first become sober, so give it a while to sink in. It might not make sense right away, but that doesn’t mean it won’t click later.

Change takes time and patience, and living a healthy life free from the chains of addiction is a wonderful change. Putting down the drink or drug is the first step towards a new life, but a new life won’t happen immediately. We have to work for it.

If you put time and real effort into your recovery, you will see the miracles come to fruition in your life. You will gain self-esteem, trust, peace, and independence.

Sometimes you might feel frustrated, and wonder why things are not improving in your life as quickly as you want them. When these feeling arise, don’t turn back to addiction. Think about all the reasons you became sober in the first place.

If you turn back to substance abuse, you will waste everything you are working hard to achieve. More problems will arise if you pick up drugs or alcohol. Health, legal, and relationship problems are a constant threat when you’re using.

It took about six months for me to start seeing improvement in my sober life. When I stopped drinking, my life didn’t click into place instantly, I had to work for it. I had to go to meetings, get a sponsor, work the steps, and start listening to people with more time in sobriety than I had. I needed to open my mind and my heart to the possibility that I didn’t have all the answers. When I put effort and love into myself and my program, miracles started to happen.

People started trusting me. My kids, spouse, and I were much happier. I was able to start my own business, and become an active member of my community. I was there when my family and friends needed me. I stopped beating myself up everyday, and learned how to deal with negative emotions in a constructive manner.

If you want your life to improve without the crutch of drugs or alcohol, our Florida based holistic treatment program is a wonderful place to start. We have specialized treatment plans designed to help each individual person. Our caring and professional staff will teach you the tools necessary to live a new healthy life free from addiction.

Synergy Group Services Florida rehab for young adults encourages Alanon and Alateen participation. Many of our young adult clients come from social circles and families who have members in active addiction. This can impact their personal recovery – making Alanon and Alateen participation an essential tool for lasting sobriety.

Alateen is a part of Al-Anon created for young people. They hold meetings to share experiences of how a problem drinker has affected their lives. It’s incredibly difficult when a family member or loved one in a person’s life is an alcoholic. It affects how young people see the world and how they are treated. Teens can find support and empathy from people their own age who are facing similar challenges.

Al-Anon was formed in 1951 by Anne B. and Lois W., wife of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) co-founder, Bill W. They started this organization when they realized families members of alcoholics needed help too. Alateen formed in 1957. Alcoholism is a family disease, and the alcoholic as well as his or her family needs support too. The family or loved ones need a place to feel safe, free from judgement, and learn from others’ experiences.

Alateen Logo

Alateen meetings are sponsored by Al-Anon members who help keep the group focused. Alateens share their experiences, strength, and hope with each other. They learn practical ways to deal with problems, and discuss challenges. They learn how to use the Twelve Steps and Alateen’s Twelve Traditions. Members encourage each other and are offered a safe place to share their lives.

In Alateen meetings, everyone has been affected by someone’s drinking. They learn that they are not the cause of anyone’s drinking or behavior. They are allowed to emotionally detach themselves from a drinker’s turmoil, but still love the person. They learn they cannot control or change anyone but themselves. They can still have a rewarding life whether the alcoholic in their lives continues to drink, or not. They learn that no matter what happens at home, they have spiritual and intellectual resources they can develop individually.

Alateens attend weekly meetings usually held in a church, school room, or any other place that can hold meetings. It’s not a religious program, it’s a spiritual one. Each individual chooses a higher power of their understanding. Alateen is a life-changing organization that helps young people successfully deal with difficult challenges.

Alateen is a place for young people to go to deal with other people’s addictions affecting their lives, but unfortunately, sometimes young adults may turn to drugs or alcohol themselves as a way to cope with hardships. Here at our Florida drug rehab center, we have a specialized addiction program for young adults that can help begin the recovery process.